Idaho Legislature Almost Done

The Idaho Senate is back to the drawing board after the bill to fund Idaho public schools was defeated 17-18 yesterday, thereby delaying sine die for 2013. So, it appears the legislature will be in session into April. Some good news: A bill sponsored by the Idaho Association of Counties has been approved and will provide an exemption for the first $100,000 of personal property tax for businesses (outfitters included) while keeping counties whole regarding their ability to be able to continue funding local entities like fire, police and schools. House Joint Memorial 1 regarding the request that Congress urge the Secretary of Agriculture and the Chief of the United States Forest Service to clear all 2,500 miles of trails annually in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness as provided for in Section 5b of the 1980 legislation that created this wilderness. Presently, the USFS is able to clear approximately 20 percent of the 2,500 miles of trail on a yearly basis. Access is being compromised for the recreating public. H. 143 which moves the administration of the invasive species sticker program for non-motorized boats from Parks and Recreation to Fish and Game has been sent to the amending order to fix a couple of technical issues. It is expected to pass, but will not transfer the sticker program to IDFG until December. A new bill H. 336 has just cropped up and IOGA urges its members to contact legislators to oppose it. The bill would increase resident and nonresident wolf tag fees and transfer funds from Fish and Game to the Office of Species Conservation to establish a depredation fund for livestock losses due to wolf depredation.  Click here for a list of bills that our lobbyist, Tyler Mallard, is monitoring on behalf of the IOGA.

Want to Attend Recreation & Tourism Conference?

IOGA, through its Idaho Travel Council grant, is able to support two members to the annual Idaho Conference on Recreation and Tourism. Registration, lodging and partial travel and food expenses are eligible for reimbursement. Contact Grant Simonds by April 8 if you are interested in attending this conference that is scheduled for May 7-9 at the Shilo Inn Suites in Idaho Falls. We will draw two names out of the hat. Click here for more information on the conference agenda and registration.

Raft Idaho Marketing Plan Funded

IOGA was recently awarded $5,000 by the Idaho Wild Rivers (rafting) license plate committee for the purpose of producing a Raft Idaho marketing plan that will complement the recently completed Raft Idaho business plan. The marketing plan will get into more detail and depth about marketing planning, additional strategy details and tactics to meet objectives of the plan, and also will include a budget, timeline with media and public relations recommendations.  Rizen Creative, a Boise-based business, will produce the marketing plan and expects to have a finished product in early May.  For more information, contact IOGA executive director,Grant Simonds.

Roundup FUNdraiser in Orofino

The annual Spring Round-Up is an area community 'fundraising event' in its 13th year and you won't want to miss it! Hosted by the Clearwater Valley Chapter of the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association and ICARE, Inc., it is a fun and relaxing day for all people to enjoy at Orofino's City Park. There will be live 'Classic Country' music by 'BEARGRASS'. They are awesome entertainment and everybody loves their music! You'll enjoy both live & silent auctions, raffles and games, and the ever popular 'Musical Saddles'. The Clearwater Backcountry Air Ambulance will drop ping pong balls for the kids, land for demo & educational info as well as give a 30 minute ride for 3 people. Top it all off with the best darn BBQ Rib-eye Steak Dinner in the valley complimented by Dutch Oven potatoes and desserts! TICKET PRICES REDUCED! This year the ticket prices have been reduced to just $20 per person which is down from last year's $30. The organizations are hoping this will enable more people to attend the event. 'Round-Up Yer Friends' and come 'Join the Fun' on Saturday, April 13th. The events begins at 12:00 noon. Admission is $20 per person which includes music, steak dinner and other fun activities. Child admission is $10 with a hamburger or hot dog meal. Beer or wine is available for an additional cost. Proceeds provide scholarships to 4 area High Schools (Timberline, Orofino, Clearwater Valley & Kamiah) and through the ICARE project (Cancer Assistance & Recovery Effort) provide financial aid to people in the Clearwater River communities who are actively receiving treatment for cancer. A lot of fun for a great cause. Plan to join us. For additional information, contact Leo and Dee Crane, Clearwater Valley Chapter leadership, at 208-476-5971.

Wolf Howling, Gear Sale & More

The Salmon Chapter of IOGA and the Idaho Natural Resource Foundation will be holding the second annual Wolf Howling Contest and Outfitter Rendezvous at the Salmon Select Horse Sale on Thursday, April 11^th from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.  It will be at the Lemhi County Fairgrounds.  Shop for outdoor gear and treasures at the “Gear and Lie Swap”.  There will be cash giveaways, gun raffles, silent auction, music, cowboy poetry along with food and a no-host bar. For more information, contact Alison Steen.

Option C for Waterfowl/Turkey Rule

The Idaho Outfitters and Guides Licensing Board (IOGLB) began a process of negotiated rulemaking last fall in an effort to:

• Clarify existing rules pertaining to private membership organizations and clubs and the requirement for licensure.
• Clarify processes related to outfitting on private land and the requirements for licensure.
• Establish rules with the force and effect of law that will set appropriate limits on outfitted turkey and waterfowl hunting.

“Option C” is now available and it and other information can be viewed on IOGLB’s website.  A public hearing on Option C is scheduled for April 3 at the Red Lion Downtowner in Boise, 1800 Fairview Avenue, beginning at 7 p.m.  Written comments are still being taken and this overall process will continue with several more steps before culminating in 2014.

The IOGLB next meets April 3-5 in Boise.  Click herefor the agenda.

Finally, IOGA, by statute, has submitted the names of outfitters Tom Long, Cascade Raft and Kayak, and Joseph Peterson, Flying B Ranch, Kamiah, to Governor Otter for his consideration regarding an outfitter position on the Licensing Board.

Board of Director April Meeting

The IOGA board of directors meets next on April 11/12 in Salmon. The primary topics on the agenda, which will be finalized in the coming week, will be the continuation of a process outlined in January regarding executive director transition, membership recruitment and maintenance and financial matters. The meeting is open to IOGA membership. For more information, contact IOGA executive director, Grant Simonds.

Classified Ads

Lochsa River Business for Sale: One and Two Day River Trips on the Lochsa River. Business includes everything necessary to step in and conduct river trips- decade long history of success. Call or email for details: Justin Walsh 406 543 0988.

For Sale or Lease: We are the 100 Acre Wood Lodge in North Fork, Idaho, located on the Idaho/Montana border& only 3 miles from the Salmon River. We are pursuing a "lifestyle" change & wanted some of our contacts to know we are for sale...(or lease). We are a turnkey operation with plenty of room to expand. We also have a lake, acreage and an Outfitters License. Check out our web site, the virtual tour anddetails of the business and property. Jon & Nancy Cummings, 208-865-2165.

Dale Denney, Bear Paw Outfitters, a licensed Idaho Outfitter, is looking to buy a bear and lion hunting business.  Cell: 208-852-6494; Office:  509-684-6294

If you are in need of well trained individuals i.e. Packers, Guides, Wranglers or Camp Cooks, we have students ready to go to work. Contact Elm Outfitters and Guides Training Program 406.961.3603

SITKA GEAR announces the Sitka Guide and Outfitter Program, open to any registered Idaho guide or outfitter looking for top-quality hunting gear. Please contact Jeff Sposito for more information.

ZEISS Sports Optics announces the ZEISS Guide and Outfitter Program, open to any registered Idaho guide or outfitter looking for top-quality German optics. Please contact Barton Dobbs at 303.903.4455 or via e-mail for more information.